Friend of Friends Friday- Slave Children

Two years ago, the local paper featured the below article. The 150 year old photograph of slave children caught my attention. I paid closer attention to the selling price over $1,000. for the slave boy John in 1854; rather than the rare photograph. The idea that a slave boy could be sold off for that amount of money had me baffled. Still, all in all, I wanted to share this article that reiterates the message: “A picture is worth a thousand words”
slave children

shelley dewese's avatar

By shelley dewese

With over 40 years in the Virgin Islands, I am a New Yorker with deep roots in the Danish West Indies, researching surnames Bough, Beaudhuy, and Gasper. Uncovering my history has revealed unknown aspects of my ancestry, shaping my present identity. I find joy in sharing stories and connecting with others. As a transcriptionist researcher, I compiled the digitized St. Croix Population Database, drawing from Danish, American, and Virgin Islands archives. I am a proud member of organizations like the Society of Virgin Islands Historian, Friends of Denmark and Ujima Genealogy Research Group. My dream of exploring Danish West Indies ancestors became a reality through the St. Croix Population Database and access to collections at the St. Croix Landmarks Society. I recently launched the VI Headline Rewinds podcast, delving into vintage Virgin Islands newspapers. I appreciate the support of collaborators and followers. For assistance with Danish West Indies genealogy, feel free to reach out via email. its.sheldew@gmail.com

4 comments

  1. I can certainly relate to your thoughts about this photo as well. The idea of placing a price on human life is baffling in and of itself. Still, those were the times in which our ancestors lived. And your final assessing statement speak volumes indeed!

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